GreatNews.Life Student Voices: The end of a chapter for La Lu’s class of 2026

What’s Recently Happened?

La Lumiere School (La Lu) officially concluded its 2025–26 school year on Friday, May 22. Commencement began at 10 a.m. that morning and served as a beautiful sendoff to the Class of 2026. The morning was filled with smiles, laughter, and plenty of tears as the seniors walked across the stage, marking the end of their chapter at La Lu.

After the ceremony, the community gathered outside Historic Marsch Gymnasium to take final photos before everyone went their separate ways. The parking lot was filled with students, families, faculty, and friends all hoping to capture memories with their favorite seniors. It was a gorgeous morning as the La Lu community came together to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 and wish them success in their future endeavors.

Convocation took place two days earlier and provided an opportunity to recognize students from all grade levels for their achievements throughout the year. Athletic awards were presented for each sport from every season, while academic awards highlighted excellence in the classroom. Teachers selected one or two students from each course who best exemplified talent, dedication, and commitment to their subject throughout the year. The ceremony concluded with major honors, including awards for highest GPA and Scholar-Athletes.

Another major event took place a week before Convocation with the conclusion of the Head’s Cup games on May 13. Bunting, Moore, Sullivan, and Webster competed for the title of Head’s Cup champion, along with the trophy and year-long bragging rights. Events such as spikeball and tug-of-war brought out fierce competition among the four teams. After a week of spirited contests, Webster emerged victorious, capturing the Head’s Cup title for the first time in more than a decade.

What’s Coming Up?

Although the school year has officially ended, La Lu’s campus remains active throughout the summer. The annual Freshman Experience is approaching quickly, with plenty in store for the incoming Class of 2030 during the week of June 15–19.

A variety of activities are planned, including sports previews, a bonfire with s’mores, and a campus-wide scavenger hunt. Freshman Experience provides incoming students with an opportunity to build friendships, connect with current students, and become familiar with La Lu’s culture and traditions before the start of the academic year.

The program allows students to get to know one another in a relaxed environment free from the pressures of a full academic schedule. It is a week centered around fun, community building, and introductions to life at La Lu.

In addition to Freshman Experience, La Lu will welcome middle school students to campus through two sessions of its new Camp La Lu program. Camp La Lu offers a variety of engaging activities led by current and former students. Camp competitions, art sessions, and sporting events are designed to provide participants with a memorable summer experience while introducing them to the La Lu community.

The first session will take place from June 21–26, followed by a second session from June 28–July 3. As a new summer initiative, Camp La Lu has the potential to become a lasting tradition for years to come.

Community Member Spotlight: 

As the Class of 2026 prepares to move on from La Lu, Senior Fred Tran leaves behind a legacy of leadership, athletic achievement, and service to the school community. Throughout his time at La Lu, Tran was heavily involved both on and off the field, serving as captain of the boys soccer team while also competing in regional Varsity Basketball and Baseball. In addition to his athletic commitments, he served as a residential prefect, helping support the boarding student community.

“I enjoyed playing soccer there, while supporting other sports teams and getting to know my friends’ families,” Tran said.

When reflecting on his favorite memories, he immediately went to Family Weekends, which gave him the opportunity to compete alongside his teammates while also connecting with the broader school community.

One tradition that stands out to Tran is the Senior Bonfire, an event that gives graduating students a chance to reflect on their experiences and celebrate with friends before heading in different directions.

“I think that it is a perfect event to remind yourself of the community that you are a part of and to just hang out with your friends,” Tran said.

This fall, Tran will attend The University of Alabama, where he plans to study finance and data science. Before beginning that next chapter, he has one more major accomplishment ahead of him.

Earlier this year, Tran earned a spot on Vietnam’s U18 National Basketball Team and will represent his country at the FIBA U18 Asian Cup SEABA Qualifiers in Thailand from June 10–14. He described the opportunity as one of his proudest achievements and said the team has been working hard in preparation for the tournament.

“My teammates and I are currently training hard in order to prepare for the competition and bring home the best results for our country,” Tran said.

As his time at La Lu comes to an end, Tran’s dedication to leadership, athletics, and community serves as an example of the impact one student can have both on campus and beyond.